September brings about a new month, a new season, a new school year.

But don’t forget about old friends—feathered friends.

Fall is a delightful time to visit the penguins at the New England Aquarium! Penguins are the first animals you’ll see after you pass through the interior glass doors to the Aquarium. Three species dart through the 150,000 gallons of treated Boston Harbor water and dot the rocky islands throughout the Level 1 display. African penguins dominate three of the islands, and little blue penguins and rockhopper penguins each have their own islands. This remains one of our most popular exhibits, and it’s no surprise why. Everyone loves penguins.

That Penguin Waddle

Penguins Take a Plunge

Just Some Penguins Swimming

Penguin Swimming Fun Fact [Wait For It]

Feeding Time! Nom Nom Gulp

Many of the penguins you see in the exhibit were born right here at the Aquarium. The African penguins, for example, are part of a Species Survival Plan, where zoos and aquariums in North America work together to make sure breeding pairs are genetically healthy and likely to succeed. This is incredibly important as African penguin populations are facing threats in the wild, including food shortages (possibly due to shifting ocean currents and competition with the fishing industry) and oil spills. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List, African penguins are currently endangered. Working together with our Association of Zoos & Aquariums partners, the Aquarium works hard every day to keep all the resident birds healthy and happy.

Penguins on the Blog

Take a walk down memory lane and read about the fluffy chicks, penguin fun facts, and penguins in far-flung places around our blue planet.